Pharmacologists

Beginning pharmacologists work to improve their laboratory procedures, learn how to work with the Food and Drug Administration and various other government agencies, and gain experience testing drugs and other substances on both animal and human subjects. In research institutes, private industry, and academic laboratories, advancement in the field of pharmacology usually means moving into a supervising position, overseeing other scientists in a laboratory setting and heading up major research projects. Pharmacologists who work as professors advance by receiving tenure, serving as department heads, supervising research laboratories at universities, presenting public papers, and speaking at major conferences. Pharmacologists often view their advancements in terms of successful research projects.